TEXAS BOWL (Houston) -- A new consideration has bubbled up with choosing sides in bowls: Which team has players bypassing the game in deference to the NFL draft? For this matchup, the score is Texas 3, Missouri 0. The best of the three has a semi-excuse — an injured toe — but LB Malik Jefferson, the co-Big 12 Defensive MVP, likely would suit up if more were at stake. Missouri must deal with a big absentee, too — from the press box. Offensive coordinator Josh Heupel has left for a head coaching gig. But QB Drew Lock was so sharp, with a nation-best 43 touchdown passes, that he should thrive under these circumstances. The Tigers ride a seven-game win streak straight-up into the game and were unable to cover in just one of their last eight outings. It may be called the Texas Bowl, but it will belong to Mizzou.

TEXAS BOWL (Houston) -- The Longhorns offense has been hit-or-miss this year, but quietly, the defense got right in November giving up just 4.77 yards per play. That makes this strength vs. strength, because the Tigers feasted offensively in the second half of the season. Was that due to real, honest progression, or a product of facing broken teams like Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Arkansas to close it out? I think it's more of the latter.

TEXAS BOWL (Houston) -- Missouri started 1-5 but won their last six games and covered seven of their last eight. Coach Barry Odom was very positive during the losing skid, telling the Tiger faithful the team was improving every week and results would appear in the win column. Odom was correct as Mizzou scored 45 or more in each of its last six games and allowed more than 21 just once. Texas has experienced a revival under Tom Herman; however, injuries have mounted and this just isn't the same team that began the season. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger is not the answer with just a 56-percent completion percentage. Ride the hot Tigers minus a short number.